REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS in the promotional products industry are experiencing growing appeal, gaining a total of 163 companies as new members in 2023, signaling increased recognition of the value offered by these groups. Both supplier and distributor membership are on the rise, with an average of 90 supplier members (see Figure 1) and 116 distributor members (see Figure 2) per association, according to the latest survey results from PPAI Research. Meanwhile, multi-line reps are holding steady with modest gains, averaging 13 members (see Figure 3). • Regional associations added an average of 23 new member companies in 2023 (see Figure 4), with a median of 26 new members per association. • New memberships also reflected positive momentum, increasing by 44% from an average of 16 new members in 2022 (see Figure 5). “This balance of average and median growth points to widespread, consistent recruitment success across associations,” says Alok Bhat, market economist and research & public affairs lead at PPAI. Operations Data Associations have an average of seven full-time employees and 17 part-time employees, according to the survey results. Sixteen associations say they recognize their volunteers for their efforts. As far as member recognition goes, most associations present a volunteer of the year award (13), followed by supplier awards (12), multi-line rep awards (10), a hall of fame (10) and distributor awards (9). • In terms of most popular software, applications and business services used by associations, QuickBooks, Canva, PromoHunt and Zoom Catalog each lead the pack with 100%. • Facebook is the most popular social media platform used by associations, followed by Instagram and LinkedIn. Most associations (91%) responded that they do prepare an annual budget, indicating a high level of planning and financial discipline. “Preparing an annual budget is crucial for any organization, as it helps in forecasting, resource allocation, goal setting and financial management,” Bhat says. • In 2023, one-third of associations reviewed or planned to review their dues structure, while the rest maintained their current structure. • Fourteen associations reported that annual goals are set for the executive director or management firm and that a yearly evaluation process is in place. Figure 2 Figure 1 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 3 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2022 2023 19 19 18 18 17 17 15 12 13 17 19 16 20 19 18 19 10 14 Average Median 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2022 2023 19 19 18 18 17 17 15 12 13 17 19 16 20 19 18 19 10 14 Average Median 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2022 2023 134 124 116 123 109 111 108 84 116 128 134 116 135 93 100 100 91 91 Average Median 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2022 2023 38 35 29 33 32 23 24 16 23 29 23 24 25 24 28 17 15 26 Average Median 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2022 2023 148 125 122 118 105 112 97 77 90 118 100 97 87 86 92 83 69 73 Average Median Must Read | Regional Associations 64 • JANUARY 2025 • PPAI
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